Kentucky Official Elected To VP Post In Agriculture Group

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles has been elected to a top position in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Quarles was elected second vice president during the group's annual meeting Wednesday.

A release from the agriculture commissioner's office says Quarles is the first Kentucky agriculture commissioner to hold office in the association since Billy Ray Smith in the early 2000s. Quarles has also served as secretary-treasurer in during the 2017-18 term.

Quarles says it's important for Kentucky to have a seat at the table when national agriculture policy is being crafted.

Quarles was elected Kentucky's agriculture commissioner in 2015. He served as a state representative for six years prior to his election as commissioner.